SANTA FE: A San Miguel County woman has pleaded guilty to a felony drug trafficking charge following a yearlong investigation by state and federal law enforcement.
Fourth Judicial District Attorney Thomas Clayton announced that Edwina Montano, 52, of Rowe, New Mexico, was convicted of trafficking a controlled substance, specifically possession with intent to distribute cocaine, a second-degree felony under New Mexico law.
On February 2, 2026, District Judge Abigail Aragon accepted a plea agreement in which Montano entered a guilty plea to the trafficking charge. Final sentencing will be determined at a later date. Under the terms outlined by the district attorney’s office, Montano faces a possible sentence ranging from five years of probation to up to nine years of incarceration with the New Mexico Department of Corrections.
The charge stems from the execution of a court-authorized search warrant on February 13, 2025, at Montano’s residence in Rowe. The warrant was carried out by the Region III Narcotics Task Force. During the search, investigators seized more than 700 grams—approximately one and a half pounds—of cocaine, including both powder and crack cocaine, along with digital scales and multiple firearms, including handguns and rifles.
District Attorney Clayton said the quantity of drugs seized had an estimated street value of about $70,000. He stated that the investigation showed the activity was not incidental, but organized and ongoing, and noted that Montano has prior felony convictions. While those convictions are older, Clayton said Montano admitted she continued distributing narcotics within her community.
Clayton also credited the Region III Narcotics Task Force for its work in San Miguel County, citing the importance of interagency cooperation given Rowe’s proximity to Santa Fe County.
The investigation was led by the New Mexico State Police through the Region III Narcotics Task Force, with assistance from New Mexico State Police uniformed officers in Santa Fe and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
As with all criminal matters, sentencing is pending, and court proceedings will determine the final outcome.